What is a reasonable amount you could expect to "haggle" off the price of a new flat panel tv from Best Buy?

Question

I was recently told, by someone with first-hand experience, that when purchasing a new flat panel tv, to try to bargain with the store (Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.). Does anyone know what would be considered a good deal as far as a certain percentage off the ticket price? (i.e. Is 5% off a good deal? 10%, 15%).

Anyway, I was told never to just pay the ticket price for a new tv b/c even large chains WILL bargain with you.

I'd really appreciate any info. you guys have.

Answer 1

Like the first poster said, the best they will do is match a competitors price.

That is of course unless you are trying to haggle about an Open-Box item or Display model.  

Big Box retailers make JACK SQUAT off their big ticket items.  The profit margin on a Flat Panel TV or even Computers is in the 5-7% range.  

They are NOT going to sell you a TV for less than they paid for it.

The place they make their profit off is the accessories. Feel free to haggle about them throwing in a set of monster cables or something, but price is not something you will get them to budge on.

Not to mention the fact that NONE of the salespeople are commissioned, so they have no motivation to lower the price just to move a few more units.

Answer 2

The only bargain that Best Buy will do is match their competitors prices. It's cool though, because they will keep matching even after you have purchased. Like,say you paid 100.00 this week, then Circuit City puts it on sale next week for 90.00, you can take the ad in and Best Buy will givew you the 10.00 difference plus 10%